SIREPA to Review Sites

The Southeast Iowa Regional Economic & Port Authority is taking a step back when it comes to the development of an industrial park in rural Lee County.

The site has been a top priority for the authority for several years.

It would be located outside of Keokuk and Fort Madison.

Chairman Bob Winkler said the effort reached the point where two sites were identified. That process has stalled, though, over difficulties associated with one location.

“They found that some of the utility easements were a lot more involved and difficult as far as negotiating issues then they first anticipated,” said Winkler, “so it changed the complexion of the new sites.”

Winkler said because of that, the authority wants the engineering firm and the consulting firm to reconsider all of the potential sites for the industrial park.

He says the review will take utility easement acquisition into account, which could result in a new site reaching the final two.